Non-profit provides housing to children who make the honor roll | News

Title (Max 100 Characters)

SEAT PLEASANT, Md. (WUSA9) --- One out of every four children face poverty and homelessness in the area.

Volunteers of America, Chesapeake strives to provide a stable environment for homeless children and their families. One of the non-profit's programs offers housing and support to over 80 low-income families and their children at Eastern Avenue Apartments.

WUSA got to visit the community center at the apartment complex during a pizza party for the children in the after-school program. The elementary-aged students have all made the honor roll this semester.

The children usually get homework help from dedicated staff and volunteers like 78-year-old LaVerne Quigley who has been working with the children since 1969.

Quigley says the children keeps her coming back: "I just love them. I've been here so long, that half of them, most of them moved out and everything."

The Eastern Avenue Apartments provides a stable environment for children, so they may be on a path to a brighter future despite socio-economic barriers within the community. Residential coordinator Michael Marable says he wants to "better this community" despite many challenges.